JJ McCarthy returned to action with the Minnesota Vikings and immediately led his team to a crucial victory over the Detroit Lions. The young quarterback, who had missed five games due to an ankle injury, came back to guide his team in a night of redemption.
McCarthy completed 14 of 25 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns, though he also threw one interception and was sacked five times. Still, what truly mattered was the result: a 27-24 win that ended Minnesota’s losing streak. His fiancée, Katya Kuropas, didn’t waste time reacting to the pregame criticism.
A message without words
According to Athlonsports, after the victory, Kuropas posted an image on social media showing the pregame predictions—ten experts had picked the Lions to win. She added no caption, just a smiling emoji, which said everything she needed to. The couple celebrated a victory that felt deeply personal, both for McCarthy and those around him.
JJ McCarthy’s fiancée is loving all the wrong picks for Week 9 Vikings-Lions game.
📸:Katya Kuropas’ IG pic.twitter.com/Ld0tbAKBfL— Don March (@ItsAlwaysMarch) November 3, 2025
During McCarthy’s absence, the Vikings went 2-3 with Carson Wentz as the starting quarterback. However, Wentz’s season-ending shoulder injury opened the door for the 22-year-old’s return, and he certainly didn’t waste the opportunity.
So far in the 2025 NFL season, McCarthy has totaled 444 passing yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions. While he still needs to improve his accuracy, his return has restored hope to a franchise fighting to stay alive in the NFC North. With a 4-4 record, Minnesota remains at the bottom of the division but only a single step behind its rivals.
The Green Bay Packers lead the division at 5-2-1, while both the Lions and Bears sit at 5-3. Next week, McCarthy faces another major test as the Vikings host a tough divisional opponent. And without question, Katya Kuropas will be watching—and celebrating—every step of her fiancé’s comeback.
